The Egyptian Desert Research Center (DRC) participated in the twenty-fourth meeting of the Arab Group, which monitors the implementation of UN conventions on combating desertification and conserving biodiversity. This meeting was held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, attended by representatives from Arab countries, as well as regional and international organizations.
At the meeting, Ahmed Abdel Atti, Egypt's executive coordinator for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and Mohammed Youssef, coordinator of Egypt's Fourth National Report, were present from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Desert Research Center, and Egypt.
The main goal of this meeting was to develop a unified Arab position on crucial issues that will be discussed at the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17). This session is scheduled for August in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
At the opening session, member states of the Arab world unanimously elected Abdel Atti as the chairman of the Arab Group for monitoring UN conventions on desertification and biodiversity. This decision reflects confidence in Egyptian experience and underscores the leading role of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Desert Research Center in supporting joint environmental actions among Arabs. Under Egypt's chairmanship, the Arab Group plans to consider a number of strategic issues, including drought, land restoration, land degradation neutrality, financing, technology transfer, capacity building, and strengthening Arab coordination, aiming to unify the positions of Arab countries and advance regional priorities during international negotiations.
The United States of America and the League of Arab States have concluded an agreement aimed at coordinating efforts to establish a civilian government in the afflicted African country.
Massad Bulus stated in a social media message that it is crucial for the country to be governed by a government that 'reflects the aspirations of its people' before calling for a cessation of hostilities between the Sudanese army and the non-state Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
These forces have already devastated the Darfur region and now threaten to do the same in the neighboring Kordofan region. Bulus added that 'it is time for the warring parties to end this destructive conflict and hand over the country's leadership to civilians.'
According to the agency EP, one of the reasons for the outbreak of violence the country is currently experiencing was the failure of the Sudanese transition of power after the overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
Attempts by civilian coalitions, such as the Forces for Freedom and Change, proved unsuccessful due to disagreements among their members and impatience from the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who eventually took control of the country.
In 2023, disagreements between the army and the RSF regarding the integration of the latter into the armed forces triggered the conflict, the victims of which cannot currently be counted. On-the-ground violence, constant population migration, and cases of famine are turning the situation into one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in El Alamein on Sunday as part of an official visit to Egypt.
Both leaders reviewed recent international and regional events and discussed current efforts aimed at resolving regional problems. Sheikh Mohamed and el-Sisi affirmed their commitment to continuous consultation and coordination to ensure regional stability and security.
Furthermore, the heads of state spoke about the close ties between the UAE and Egypt and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in various fields, which supports the common interests and prosperity of both countries.
Sheikh Mohamed arrived in El Alamein earlier that day, where he was met by President el-Sisi at the airport. He was accompanied by a delegation including Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Work; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Cases; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, as well as several ministers and high-ranking officials.
This meeting followed President el-Sisi's visit to the UAE in May, when the leaders held talks in Abu Dhabi and jointly visited the Yas Mall shopping center, highlighting the close relationship between the Emirati and Egyptian leadership.
